Bachelor of Natural Medicine Course Prescriptors
Year 1 – Semester 1
Anatomy & Physiology 1 (Level 5, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (on-campus or online). As a level 5 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives:
This course, the first of two in Anatomy and Physiology, is about the structure and function of the human body. After learning the basics of the cell and tissue types, the focus will move to body systems: the integumentary (the skin), muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems, and special senses.
Learning Outcomes
- Discuss basic anatomical structures and directional terminology in relation to human anatomy and physiology.
- Explain organ system integrations and the role of regulatory mechanisms in homeostasis for human life.
- Describe fundamental concepts and principles of cell biology, histology and the role of genetics and epigenetics in human health and disease.
- Explain the structure, functions and homeostatic mechanisms of the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems.
- Explain the structure, functions and homeostatic mechanisms of the nervous system.
Principles & Practices of Natural Medicine (Level 5, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (on-campus or online). As a level 5 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
This course will introduce students to the principles, philosophy, practices, and history of natural medicine. The physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of the body, concepts of holistic health, divergent belief systems of healthcare and a range of world views will be explored.
Learning Outcomes
- Explore the principles, philosophy and history of natural medicine, with a particular emphasis on naturopathy and herbal medicine.
- Explore philosophies, theories and concepts on holistic health relevant to naturopathic and herbal medicine practice.
- Discuss the role of naturopathy and herbal medicine in the context of the New Zealand public health care system.
- Examine contentious topics impacting public health in New Zealand and Australia.
- Present work to appropriate standard and demonstrate academic integrity in essay writing and reflective practice.
Foundations of Research (Level 5, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (on-campus or online). As a level 5 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this course, students will have opportunities to locate, analyse, and interpret information. They will learn how to present information and argue their view in a logical and coherent way and to reference correctly. They will be introduced to research, its constraints and dilemmas and will learn the critical skills needed to become research consumers.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop study, academic writing and information retrieval skills for professional practice.
- Recognise types of research methods (quantitative qualitative and mixed methods), their differences and similarities.
- Examine hierarchies of evidence, types of research design and levels of research evidence relevant to healthcare research and practice.
- Discuss the rationale and value of ethics in academic research.
Herbal Medicine 1 (Level 5, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (on-campus or online). As a level 5 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this course students explore the principles and the goals of Herbal Medicine. They will learn the practical skills of plant identification, cultivation, harvesting and manufacturing, as well as studying a range of herbs, their actions, dosage and contraindications, and safe application in clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the principles and goals of herbal medicine to support biological processes in the human body.
- Demonstrate how to grow, harvest, process and appropriately store plant materials for the manufacture of herbal medicine products.
- Identify a range of herbs, their main medicinal actions, cautions, contraindications and dosage.
- Explain the relationship between herbal energetics, and the use of Western herbal medicines.
- Demonstrate safe, quality practices for a range of simple herbal manufacturing processes.
- Present work to appropriate standard and demonstrates academic integrity relevant to scope of practice.
Year 1 – Semester 2
Anatomy & Physiology 2 (Level 5, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (on-campus or online). As a level 5 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
This course, the second of two in Anatomy and Physiology, focuses on the structure and function of the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, renal, reproductive systems, and human development.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the structure, function and homeostatic mechanisms of the digestive, endocrine and cardiovascular systems.
- Explain the structure, function and homeostatic mechanisms of the lymphatic and immune systems.
- Explain the structure, function and homeostatic mechanisms of the respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems.
Herbal Medicine 2 (Level 5, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (on-campus or online). As a level 5 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this course students will continue to learn the practical skills of plant identification, cultivation, harvesting, processing and manufacturing as well as studying a range of herbs, historical use, current research, their actions, dosage and contraindications, and safe application in clinical practice. New Zealand native herbs and their traditional and modern applications will be studied.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate how to grow, harvest, process and appropriately store plant materials for the manufacture of herbal medicine products.
- Describe a range of herbs, their main medicinal actions, cautions, contraindications and dosage.
- Classify levels of evidence when selecting a herb or herbal medicine product.
- Explain the relationship between herbal energetics, and the use of Western herbal medicines.
- Demonstrate safe, quality practices for a range of simple herbal manufacturing processes.
- Present work to appropriate standard and demonstrates academic integrity relevant to scope of practice.
Public Health (Level 5, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (on-campus or online). As a level 5 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this course students will examine the influence of social determinants on health status, the relationship of culture and the socio-economic influences on health care delivery in New Zealand. In addition, students will explore the impact of discrimination in healthcare and be introduced to the structure of health care delivery in NZ and legislation.
Learning Outcomes
- Explore the relationship between social determinants of health and health inequalities in New Zealand.
- Investigate social change theory in relation to health promotion principles and practices.
- Evaluate the development and implementation of a public health policy in New Zealand.
- Apply health research to inform decision-making.
Biochemistry of Foods (Level 5, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (on-campus or online). As a level 5 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this course students will have an opportunity to learn the structure, function, biological properties, food sources and health benefits of the macronutrients – carbohydrates, proteins and lipids and their associated sub-groups. The major biochemical pathways of macronutrients will be explored.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an introductory knowledge and understanding of macronutrients and their relationship to human health and nutrition.
- Describe the biochemical pathways and metabolic processes of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids at a cellular and whole-body level.
- Describe the structure and function of biological molecules, cell membranes and subcellular structures, with an emphasis on the macromolecules, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
- Describe the major anabolic and catabolic pathways in human biochemistry (including the purpose, location, inputs and outputs, control mechanisms, important cofactors) and their role in health and disease.
Year 2 – Semester 1
Pathophysiology 1 (Level 6, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (either on-campus or online). As a level 6 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour and a half of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
This is one of two courses where students will build on their knowledge and comprehension of the aetiology and pathophysiology of diseases and syndromes of the immune, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous systems. There will be an emphasis on diseases which are common in New Zealand and are seen in natural medicine clinics.
Learning Outcomes
- Distinguish between normal and abnormal compensatory mechanisms in the body’s response to disease.
- Analyse healthcare data to determine provisional and differential diagnoses.
- Examine microbiology, inflammation and human immunity from an integrative health care perspective, at a cellular, whole-body and functional level.
- Explain the molecular and pathogenetic mechanisms relevant to carcinogenesis and metastasis.
- Discuss the pathophysiology of selected diseases for the gastrointestinal, respiratory cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Nutrition 1 (Level 6, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (either on-campus or online). As a level 6 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour and a half of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this course, students will have opportunities to research vitamins and minerals: their structure and functions, food sources, the recommended daily intakes and their importance in human nutrition. Deficiency and toxicity signs and symptoms will be addressed as will supplementation and dietary recommendations and drug/nutrient interactions.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate the role, functions, food sources and supplemental forms of vitamins typically prescribed by natural medicine practitioners.
- Evaluate the role, functions, food sources and supplemental forms of minerals typically prescribed by natural medicine practitioners.
- Critically analyse nutrition data relating to the health and nutritional status of individuals.
- Interpret and translate nutrition research for practical use.
Pharmacology & Pharmacognosy (Level 6, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (either on-campus or online). As a level 6 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour and a half of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this course, students will study the pharmacology of herbal medicines and major pharmaceutical drug groups prescribed in New Zealand and the appropriate management of herb/drug/nutrient interactions. Their absorption, metabolism, excretion, and potential risks will be analysed. Quality control of herbal medicines, pharmacognosy and ethical issues will be critiqued, as will the manufacturing practices of nutritional supplements.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of active constitutions for a range of herbs, herbal medicine products and pharmaceutical medicine classifications.
- Interpret and translate scientific research on major phytopharmacological compounds related to the use of medicinal plants.
- Critique the safety, pharmacovigilance and quality control processes used in manufacturing herbal medicine products and nutritional supplements.
- Investigate the impact of conservation and sustainability on the use of medicinal plants.
- Apply academic skills to communicate the relevance of pharmacology and pharmacognosy to New Zealand society.
Therapeutics 1 (Level 6, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (either on-campus or online). As a level 6 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour and a half of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
This is one of two courses where students will integrate their knowledge and applied research skills in planning and managing appropriate holistic naturopathic treatments for a range of common health conditions. The digestive, nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems will be covered. Professional issues of safety and the advantages and limitations of naturopathic health care treatments will be evaluated.
Learning Outcomes
- Report on the effects of naturopathic medicine for a range of diseases and health conditions relevant to a naturopathic scope of practice.
- Evaluate clinical decision-making when selecting naturopathic medicine for a simulated case study.
- Apply critical thinking and risk mitigation strategies to ensure client safety.
- Interpret and translate relevant traditional and scientific evidence in response to a simulated clinical case.
- Demonstrate professional practice when completing a client case take form.
Year 2 – Semester 2
Pathophysiology 2 (Level 6, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (either on-campus or online). As a level 6 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour and a half of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
The second of two courses, students will build on their knowledge and comprehension of the aetiology and pathophysiology of diseases and syndromes of haematology, the endocrine, integumentary, genito-urinary and musculoskeletal systems. There will be an emphasis on diseases which are common in New Zealand and are seen in natural medicine clinics.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain how health risk factors relate to chronic disease.
- Analyse common heath conditions and their impact on individual health.
- Discuss the pathophysiology of selected diseases for the endocrine, integumentary, urinary, reproductive, haematological and musculoskeletal systems.
- Explain the pathophysiological processes that underlie stress, obesity and diabetes.
Nutrition 2 (Level 7, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (either on-campus or online). As a level 7 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional two hours of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this course students will evaluate current research in clinical nutrition.
The nutritional needs of specific age, life cycle stages and gender groups will be assessed. Students will investigate food technologies, additives, toxins and pathogens; the factors leading to food intolerances and food allergies and naturopathic theory and practices of detoxification.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate the nutritional requirements throughout the life cycle relevant to community nutrition and public health.
- Design nutrition and supplementation programmes for individuals and communities.
- Critically appraise the nutritional trends for a range of simulated clinical cases.
- Integrate scientific research evidence to measure the value of nutrition medicine.
Managing a Professional Practice (Level 6, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (either on-campus or online). As a level 6 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour and a half of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
Students will develop their business skills and strategies needed to launch a successful clinical practice. Professional responsibilities and the current political situation regarding registration and product regulation will be evaluated. Ethical issues, relevant legal Acts and risk management in a clinical situation will be explored.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate the ethical and legal framework of a contemporary naturopathic practice in New Zealand.
- Critique the business model and marketing strategy of a successful naturopathic practice operating in New Zealand.
- Debate implications of legislation, historical, social and political mechanisms on naturopathic practice in New Zealand.
- Integrate principles of evidence-based practice in conjunction with business and marketing research.
Therapeutics 2 (Level 7, 15 credits)
Four hours of course work per week (either on-campus or online). As a level 7 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional two hours of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
This is the second of two courses where students will integrate their knowledge and applied research skills in planning and managing appropriate holistic naturopathic treatments for a range of common health conditions. The endocrine, integumentary, genito-urinary and musculoskeletal systems will be covered. Professional issues of safety and the advantages and limitations of naturopathic health care treatments will be evaluated.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically appraise scientific research evidence to justify naturopathic medicine for a range of common health conditions.
- Accurately Interpret data to defend clinical decisioning making.
- Plan and evaluate risk mitigation strategies relative to a naturopathic scope of practice for simulated clinical cases.
- Compose professional case taking in accordance with legislative and common law requirements.
Year 3 – Semester 1
Differential Diagnosis & Physical Examination (Level 7, 15 credits)
Available on-campus only. Four hours of course work per week. As a level 7 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional two hours of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
This course enables students to establish an accurate client assessment that includes case-history and working diagnosis and that demonstrates ethical behaviour. Opportunities will be provided for students to develop a working knowledge of diagnostic examination techniques and differential diagnosis within scope of practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate cultural safety when working with clients.
- Practice professional communication in a clinical practice setting.
- Determine and perform a range of physical examination techniques to gather clinical information for a client.
- Interpret and translate the results of physical examination, pathology and radiology for a simulated clinical case.
- Differentiate signs and symptoms from a simulated clinical case to determine a provisional, differential and working diagnosis.
Pre-Clinic (Level 7, 15 credits)
Available on-campus only. Four hours of course work per week. As a level 7 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional two hours of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this course students will begin to integrate their clinical problem-solving and technical skills in order to practice safely and independently within appropriate scopes and limits of practice and with reference to current evidence. Students will formulate relevant and safe treatment procedures to address the client’s health – including effective communication; case history taking; formulating a naturopathic working diagnosis based on sound medical and natural medicine procedures and research; appropriate prescribing; referring and advising; maintaining good client records; time management and managing continuing client care.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop professional skills in clinic administration and case management.
- Debate the art and science of clinical reasoning, clinical decision-making and action.
- Evaluate the role of the therapeutic alliance in clinical practice.
- Report risks, decisions, actions and outcomes relevant to client care.
- Integrate healthcare information with scientific research evidence to formulate a client health plan.
Clinical Practice 1 (Level 7, 15 credits)
Available on-campus only. Four hours of course work per week. As a level 7 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional two hours of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this clinic-based practical course students will be responsible for managing a clinic. They will apply their professional skills in both the art and the science of holistic healing; synthesising the theoretical and practical knowledge, collecting, analysing and integrating healthcare information for the benefit of the clients they will treat in the clinic. They will build on their skills, apply critical reasoning to their treatment decisions and use their clinical decision-making skills in client management with reference to current research. Professional skills of presenting case studies for publication and research participation will be developed.
Learning outcomes
- Apply professional skills in clinic administration and case management.
- Practice knowledge of legislative, common law and professional association requirements in naturopathic practice.
- Collaborate, and critically appraise healthcare information to formulate a client health plan.
- Employs reflexive practice in completing case taking processes and procedures.
- Demonstrates the principles of evidence-based practice in assessing client needs.
Year 3 – Semester 2
Mind & Body (Level 6, 15 credits)
Available on-campus only. Four hours of course work per week. As a level 6 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional hour and a half of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In this course students will explore the relationships between the physical body, the emotions, the mind, and spiritual beliefs. They will be encouraged to think about disease and reasons for disease beyond physical manifestations. The grief process and impact of life changing events may have on individuals will be explored. Students will read and research literature on prominent mindbody modalities.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically reflect on the connections between mind, body and spirit in wellbeing.
- Practice a range of Mind/Body modalities and explain their application to naturopathic practice.
- Integrate Mind/Body studies with clinical practice to explore the relationships between personal health issues, emotions and life events.
- Interpret and translate Mind/Body literature for use in clinical practice.
Clinical Practice 2 (Level 7, 15 credits)
Available on-campus only. Twelve hours of clinic-based work per week, including some late nights. As Level 7 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional two hours of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In these clinic-based practical courses students will be responsible for managing a clinic. They will apply their professional skills in both the art and the science of holistic healing, synthesising the theoretical and practical knowledge, collecting, analysing and integrating healthcare information for the benefit of the clients they will treat in the clinic. They will build on their skills, apply critical reasoning to their treatment decisions and use their clinical decision-making skills in client management with reference to current research. Professional skills of presenting case studies for publication and research participation will be developed.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply reflexivity in the execution of professional practice skills.
- Critically evaluate clinical judgements and recommendations against legislation, common law and professional association requirements and scope of practice.
- Explain the principles of evidence-based practice when assessing client needs and supports client involvement in healthcare decision-making.
- Create independently individualised client health plans, using client healthcare information and traditional and scientific research evidence to justify practitioner actions.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of College research activities and its relevance to research in clinical practice.
Clinical Practice 3 (Level 7, 30 credits)
Available on-campus only. Twelve hours of clinic-based work per week, including some late nights. As Level 7 course, for every hour of course time students are expected to engage in an additional two hours of self-directed learning. Further time commitment may be needed at times of assessment.
Course Objectives
In these clinic-based practical courses students will be responsible for managing a clinic. They will apply their professional skills in both the art and the science of holistic healing, synthesising the theoretical and practical knowledge, collecting, analysing and integrating healthcare information for the benefit of the clients they will treat in the clinic. They will build on their skills, apply critical reasoning to their treatment decisions and use their clinical decision-making skills in client management with reference to current research. Professional skills of presenting case studies for publication and research participation will be developed.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply reflexivity in the execution of professional practice skills for a range of clients and clinical settings.
- Critically evaluate clinical judgements and recommendations against legislation, common law and professional association requirements and scope of practice for a range of clients presenting with chronic disease, comorbidity and multi-morbidity.
- Create independently individualised client health plans that demonstrate principles of evidence-based practice and client involvement in healthcare decision-making.
- Work independently and collaboratively, without direct supervision or guidance, with a range of clients in different clinical settings.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of College research activities and its relevance to research in clinical practice.
- Present skills in critical thinking and professional practice to an audience.
Bachelor of Natural Medicine – How it weaves together
The Bachelor of Natural Medicine offers courses in science and the healing arts, to cover modern evidence-based practice underpinned by naturopathic philosophy. Naturopathic philosophy defines the way naturopaths and medical herbalists practise.
The foundations of naturopathic Philosophy are taught in Principles and Philosophy of Natural Medicine and reinforced throughout the degree.
Public Health examines the relationship of culture and the socio-economic influences on health care delivery in New Zealand.
Foundations of Research teaches basic academic skills alongside the skills of consuming clinical research, essential throughout the whole degree. Herbal knowledge is taught in Herbal Medicine 1 and 2.
Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 provide the basis of knowledge on how the body functions, built upon in Year Two in Pathophysiology 1 and 2, with the study of abnormal function – illness and disease.
Biochemistry of Foods outlines the biochemical processes underpinning the study of nutrition, expanded upon in the second year through Nutrition 1 and 2. Herbal medicine and nutrition are applied in Therapeutics 1 and 2, where students look at specific conditions from a naturopathic perspective.
Safety is of paramount importance in clinical practice, so Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy focuses upon biochemical processes in the body and how herbs and nutrients might interact with pharmaceutical medicines.
Learning how to transform naturopathy/herbal medicine knowledge into running a business is addressed in Managing a Professional Practice. A further course focussed on safety is Differential Diagnosis and Physical Examination which has a medical emphasis, to ensure that new practitioners will recognise any serious conditions which need referral.
MindBody, which looks into the mind-body connection and the effect it has on health, is taught in the final year. PreClinic prepares students for clinical practice from very practical procedures to the clinical reasoning of cases.
There are four Clinical Practice courses based in our Paua Clinic where students see clients and bring together all their prior knowledge to build confidence, and become safe and competent. When students begin their clinical practice, their feedback confirms that they realise the relevance of each of the courses in the degree and how they all come together to complete their learning.
